Collapsible parking pad

ABSTRACT

A parking pad includes a main body portion defined by first and second sides, and first and second ends. The main body portion being a flexible sheet which can be one of rolled or folded to facilitate placing the parking pad in a storage configuration. The parking pad includes first and second sleeves located proximate the respective first and seconds sides of the main body portion. The first and second sleeves are each defined by respective sleeve openings. The parking pad further includes elongate curb members disposed within sleeves, the curb member being removable from the sleeves via the sleeve openings. The second end of the main body portion is unobstructed to thereby allow detritus falling on the main body portion to be easily removed from the parking pad.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent ApplicationSer. No. 61/112,734 filed Nov. 8, 2008.

BACKGROUND

It is known from the prior art (e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 5,308,670) toprovide a vinyl pad with raised sides which can be placed beneath aparked vehicle in a garage, maintenance, or storage area to catchmelting snow, water, sand, salts, solvents, oils, mud and dirt fallingoff the vehicle and contain the material on the pad. However, the priorart does not fully address the needs of the user of such a pad.

The current invention provides for an apparatus which addresses theadditional needs beyond that provided by the prior art to a userdesirous of controlling detritus falling off of a vehicle (or the like)in a storage area.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an isometric figure depicting a parking pad in accordance withthe present disclosure in an in-use configuration.

FIG. 2 is a plan view of one embodiment of a parking pad in accordancewith the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a bottom view of a variation on the parking pad depicted inFIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a sectional end view of the parking pad depicted in FIG. 2.

FIG. 5 is a plan view of another embodiment of a parking pad inaccordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 is a plan view of a further embodiment of a parking pad inaccordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 7 is a partial sectional end view of the parking pad of FIG. 1further depicting variations which can be used with the parking pad.

FIG. 8 is a partial plan view of the parking pad of FIG. 1 furtherdepicting variations which can be used with the parking pad.

FIG. 9 is an isometric figure depicting a parking pad in accordance witha further embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 10 is an isometric figure depicting a parking pad in accordancewith yet another embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 11 is a side elevation view of the parking pad of FIG. 1 in usewith a collapsible ramp.

FIG. 12 is a plan view of a variation of the parking pad depicted inFIG. 2.

FIG. 13 is an isometric view of a variation of the parking pad depictedin FIG. 12, showing additional features which can be included with theparking pad of the current disclosure.

FIG. 14 is a side sectional view of a sleeve used with a parking pad inaccordance with the present disclosure, depicting how more than twoelongate curb members can be accommodated within the sleeve.

FIG. 15 is an end sectional view of the parking pad of FIG. 1 depictingthe pad in a storage configuration.

FIG. 16 is a plan view of yet another embodiment of a parking pad inaccordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 17 is a partial end view of the parking pad of FIG. 16, depictinghow a curb member can be affixed directly to the main body portion ofthe parking pad.

FIG. 18 is an oblique detail of an additional feature that can be usedwith the parking pad of FIG. 12.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The apparatus disclosed and described herewithin for controlling thedetritus which can fall from a vehicle addresses several shortcomings ofthe prior art. For example, while the prior art only describes a padconfigured to contain the detritus which can fall off a vehicle, thepresent disclosure further provides for a means for easily removing theaccumulated detritus from the parking pad.

Further, the prior art does not recognize the likely seasonal ortemporary of use for such an apparatus, and the potential desire of theuser to conveniently store the apparatus during periods of non-use, andquickly deploy the apparatus when use is desired.

The present disclosure thus provides for a parking pad which addressesthe shortcomings of the prior art. In general, the parking pad disclosedherewithin provides for the control of detritus of materials which canfall from a vehicle or the like positioned on the parking pad, and theconvenient removal of such materials from the parking pad to a locationaway from the parking pad. Further, the parking pad disclosed herewithinis configured to be conveniently stored during periods of non-use, andquickly deployed when use is desired.

As will be described in more detail below, in one embodiment a parkingpad in accordance with the present disclosure is a collapsible parkingpad, such that a user of the parking pad can conveniently store theparking pad during periods of non-use, and quickly deploy the parkingpad when use is desired. Further embodiments provide for means forfacilitating removal of detritus from the parking pad.

By “parking pad” we mean a portable pad on which a vehicle or the likecan be moved onto and off of the pad in the normal course of use. Theparking pad can be sized to accommodate various vehicles (e.g., cars,trucks and motorcycles), trailers, and other equipment (e.g., snowblowers, power tillers, lawn mowers, etc.).

Turning now to FIG. 1, an isometric figure depicts a parking pad 10 inaccordance with the present disclosure in an in-use configuration. Morespecifically, a parking pad 10 is depicted as being deployed on aconcrete parking slab 8, with a vehicle 6 placed on the parking pad. Theparking pad 10 includes a main body portion 12 which is defined by afirst side 14, a second side 16, a first end 18, and a second end 20. Inthe embodiment depicted in FIG. 1 the main body portion 12 of theparking pad 10 is arranged in a generally rectangular shape. However,other shapes (e.g., triangular, round, etc.) for the main body portion12 can also be employed, consistent with the overall spirit of theinvention. Use of the terms “end” and “side” is not intended to implyany lengthwise relationship—an end may be longer than, shorter than orthe same length as a side. Further, the terms “end” and “side” shouldnot be considered as limiting. For example, a pentagonal shaped parkingpad will have four contiguous sides which form a barrier perimeter, andone open end to allow removal of detritus from the parking pad. Ingeneral, a parking pad in accordance with the present disclosure willhave at least two sides forming a barrier perimeter, and one open endfor the removal of detritus from the parking pad.

The main body portion 12 of the parking pad 10 is fabricated from aflexible material to allow the parking pad to be placed in a storageconfiguration by folding, rolling or some combination thereof. Theflexible material used for the main body portion 12 is selected to beessentially, water impermeable, and preferably is also chemicallyresistant (i.e., resistant to degradation when exposed to oils, grease,gasoline and other fuels and lubricants, salt, chemical ice melters, andother substances which may precipitate from a vehicle onto the parkingpad). The flexible material is also preferably resistant to bunching andtearing when a vehicle is moved onto and off of the parking pad. In oneexample the main body portion 12 is fabricated from nylon sheet. Otherexemplary materials for the main body portion 12 can include, withoutlimitation, neoprene rubber, other rubbers, fiber reinforced plastic,low density polyethylene, and ethylene-propylene rubber.

FIG. 2 is a plan view of the parking pad 10 of FIG. 1. Referring toFIGS. 1 and 2, the parking pad 10 includes a first sleeve 22 which islocated proximate the first side 14 of the main body portion 12, asecond sleeve 24 which is located proximate the second side 16 of themain body portion 12, and a third sleeve 26 which is located proximatethe first end 18 of the main body portion 12. (Note that when the mainbody portion is in the shape of a triangle, the first and second sides14 and 16 intersect, and there is essentially no first end 18, and henceonly two sleeves 22 and 24 are present.) The sleeves 22, 24, 26 can beformed integrally with the main body portion 12. For example, thesleeves 22, 24, 26 can be formed by folding over edge portions of themain body portion 12 and then securing the outer edge of the folded overportion back onto the main body portion. The edge of the folded overportion can be secured to the main body portion 12 by gluing, ultrasonicwelding, heat, fasteners, etc. The sleeves 22, 24, 26 can also be formedseparately from the main body portion 12 and thereafter eitherpermanently or removably attached to the main body portion 12. Thesleeves 22, 24, 26 can be removably attached to the main body portion 12for example by the use of snaps, tongue-and-groove plastic fasteners,and by other means. As depicted, the sleeves 22 and 26 intersect atcorner 31, and sleeves 24 and 26 intersect at corner 33. Corners 31 and33 are formed such that sleeves 22, 24 and 26 form a continuous barrieraround the body portion 12, leaving only end 20 free for the egress ofdetritus from the parking pad 10. When the main body portion 12 and thesleeves 22, 24 and 26 are formed from a continuous sheet of material,then corners 31 and 33 are formed by gathering excess sheet material atthe proximate ends of the sleeves and securing the excess sheet materialto itself by gluing, heat welding, fasteners or other means.

The sleeves 22, 24, 26 can be fabricated from the same material as themain body portion 12. However, since a vehicle to be placed on theparking pad 10 will typically enter and leave the parking pad via thesecond end 20 (which does not include a sleeve), the sleeves 22, 24, 26will typically not be subjected to the same wear and tear as the mainbody portion 12. Accordingly, the sleeves 22, 24, 26 can be fabricatedfrom a material which is thinner than the main body portion 12, thusallowing the sleeves to be more easily rolled or folded along with themain body portion when the parking pad 10 is placed in a storageconfiguration. An exemplary alternative material for the sleeves 22, 24,26 is flashspun high-density polyethylene fiber sheet material (oneexample of which is sold by E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company underthe trademark brand name of Tyvek®.

Still referring to FIG. 2, the parking pad 10 includes elongate curbmembers 50, 52 and 54 which are sized to be received within respectivefirst, second and third sleeves 22, 24 and 26. The elongate curb members50, 52 and 54 provide structure to the respective sleeves 22, 24 and 26such that the sleeves form a perimeter barrier to prevent migration ofdetritus off of the main body portion 12 at sides 14 and 16, and firstend 18, of the main body portion 12. It will, however, be noted thatsince no curb member is present at the second end 20 of the main bodyportion 12, detritus falling onto the main body portion can easily beremoved from the parking pad 10 at this essentially unobstructed secondend.

The elongate curb members 50, 52 and 54 are preferably fabricated froman essentially resilient light weight material. An exemplary material offabrication for the elongate curb members 50, 52 and 54 is polyethylenefoam. The use of an essentially resilient material for the curb members50, 52 and 54 is desirable since it will allow the curb members toresume their shape if stepped on by a person or driven over by avehicle. Further, the use of a light weight material for the curbmembers 50, 52 and 54 is desirable since it reduces weight of theoverall parking pad 10, which is a consideration when the parking pad isplaced in the storage configuration. One source for the curb members 50,52 and 54 is so-called pool noodles, which are used as personalflotation assist devices in swimming pools and the like.

As depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2, the parking pad 10 can also include anapron 28 which extends the main body portion 12 away from the second end20 of the parking pad. The use of an apron 28 can allow the parking pad10 to be placed, for example, with the second end 20 at a garage dooropening, such that detritus falling on the main body portion 12 can beeasily removed onto a driveway outside of the garage. While the apron 28is depicted in FIG. 2 as being a separate component, it can also becontinuous with the main body portion 12.

FIG. 3 is a bottom view of the parking pad 10 of FIGS. 1 and 2, with thevariation that the elongate curb member 50 of FIG. 2 is depicted in FIG.3 as being in multiple component parts. Specifically, in FIG. 3 firstsleeve 22 is depicting as receiving curb member components 50 a, 50 band 50 c. It will be appreciated that elongate curb members 52 and 54can also be provided as component parts rather than as single units.

As depicted in FIG. 3, sleeve 24 is provided with an elongate opening orslit 32 to allow the curb member 52 to be inserted into the sleeve.Likewise, sleeve 26 is provided with elongate opening or slit 34 toallow the curb member 54 to be inserted into the sleeve. In similarmanner, sleeve 22 is provided with elongate openings or slits 30 a and30 b to allow the curb member 50 a, 50 b and 50 c to be inserted intothe sleeve. Specifically, elongate curb member 50 a can first beinserted into elongate opening 30 a. Elongate curb member 50 b can thenbe inserted into elongate opening 30 a, and finally elongate curb member50 c can be inserted into elongate opening 30 b. The elongate openings30 a, 30 b, 32 and 34 are preferably formed in the bottom of respectivesleeves 22, 24 and 26 so that water will not collect in the sleeves. Theelongate openings 30 a, 30 b, 32 and 34 can also be temporarily sealableby the use of snaps, tongue-and-groove seals, hook-and-loop fastenersand the like. By providing the elongate openings 30 a, 30 b, 32 and 34as either open slits, or as temporarily sealable slits, the curb members50 a, 50 b, 52 and 54 can be easily installed in the sleeves 22, 24 and24 for quick and easy deployment, and easily removed from the sleevesfor quick storage, of the parking pad 10.

FIG. 4 is an end sectional view of the parking pad 10 of FIG. 2. Whilethe elongate curb members 50 and 52 are depicted in FIG. 4 as beinground or circular in cross section, all of the curb member 50, 52 and 54can be other shapes in cross section as well, such as triangular,square, rectangular, elliptical, etc.

In addition to providing parking pads having fixed length and widthdimensions (as indicated in FIG. 2), the present disclosure alsoprovides for parking pads having variable length and width dimensions.Turning now to FIG. 5, an adjustable length parking pad 100 is depictedin plan view. The parking pad 100 includes a main body portion 112 whichcomprises a first or upper body portion 112 a and a second or lower bodyportion 112 b. The first and second body portions 112 a and 112 boverlap in region 113, and slide along one another in directions “A” and“B” in this region 113 such that the length “L” of the parking pad 100can be adjusted. Advantageously the exposed edge 115 of the body portion112 a is proximate the second end 120 of the parking pad 100. In thisway any water or other detritus moving in direction “A” towards the openend 120 of the parking pad 100 will cascade from the first body portion112 a to the second body portion 112 b. The parking pad 100 furtherincludes a first sleeve 122 and a second sleeve 124, which areconfigured to receive curb members in the manner described above withrespect to sleeves 22 and 24 of FIG. 3. First sleeve 122 is provided asa two-part telescoping sleeve, comprising a first sleeve part 122 awhich slidingly receives a second sleeve part 122 b. Likewise, secondsleeve 124 is provided as a two-part telescoping sleeve, comprising afirst sleeve part 124 a which slidingly receives a second sleeve part124 b. The parking pad 100 further includes a third sleeve 126, which issimilar to sleeve 26 of FIG. 2.

Turning now to FIG. 6, an adjustable width parking pad 200 is depictedin plan view. The parking pad 200 includes a main body portion 212 whichcomprises a first body portion 212 a and a second body portion 212 b.The first and second body portions 212 a and 212 b overlap in region213, and slide along one another in directions “C” and “D” in thisregion such that the width “W” of the parking pad 200 can be adjusted.The parking pad 200 includes a first sleeve 222 and a second sleeve 224,which function in essentially the same manner as sleeves 22 and 24 ofFIG. 2. The parking pad 200 further includes a third sleeve 226 which islocated at the first end 216 of the main body portion 212. Third sleeve226 is provided as a two-part telescoping sleeve, and includes firstsleeve part 226 a which slidingly receives second sleeve part 226 b.

Turning now to FIG. 7, a partial end sectional view of a parking pad 110(similar to parking pad 10 of FIGS. 1-3) is depicted, showing additionaloptional features which can be included with a parking pad consistentwith the present disclosure. As depicted, the main body portion 12 canbe provided with a heating element 72 disposed between upper (12 a) andlower (12 b) parts of the main body portion 12. The heating element 72can be integral with the main body portion 12, and not provided in thesandwiched configuration depicted in FIG. 7. Further, the heatingelement 72 can be provided on the upper surface 70 of the main bodyportion 12. The heating element 72 is provided with energy viaelectrical plug 76 (or by other means), and the temperature of theheating element can be controlled by heating element controller 74. Byproviding the parking pad 110 with a heating element 72, snow and iceaccumulating on the upper surface 70 of the main body portion 12 can bemelted, thus facilitating removal of the melt from the second open end20 (FIGS. 1 and 2) of the parking pad 110. Further, providing heat tothe upper surface 70 of the main body portion 12 of the parking pad 110can facilitate removal of oil and grease from the parking pad.

As also depicted in FIG. 7, the main body portion 12 of the parking pad110 can be provided with a flexible metallic strip 78 attached theretowhich facilitates in holding the main body portion in an essentiallyflat position on a support surface (such as on slab 8 of FIG. 1). Aflexible metallic strip 78 can be provided proximate each (or either) ofthe first and second sides 14, 16 of the main body portion 12, or as anintegral part of the main body portion. The flexible metallic strip 78can be fabricated using a malleable metal (such as lead, zinc, copper,and alloys thereof) such that when the parking pad 110 is placed in anin-use configuration (as per FIG. 1), the parking pad will not tend toroll up due to any shape retention memory in the main body portion 12resulting from storage of the parking pad in a rolled or folded position(per FIG. 15).

Turning to FIG. 8, a partial plan view of a parking pad 210 (similar toparking pad 10 of FIG. 2) depicts further optional features which can beincluded with a parking pad consistent with the present disclosure. Asdepicted, the parking pad 210 includes a fluid conduit 80 locatedproximate the first end 18 of the main body portion 12. The fluidconduit 80 is in fluid communication with fluid outlets (e.g., nozzles)82, which are directed in direction “Z” towards the second (open) end 20(FIGS. 1 and 2) of the main body portion 12. The fluid conduit 80 can beprovided with a fluid (such as water) via fluid supply line 84, whichcan be, for example, a hose member connected to a garden hose attachment86. In this way a user can connect a garden hose (or the like) to thefluid conduit 80, and can thus easily flush detritus off of the mainbody portion 12 of the parking pad 210.

FIG. 9 depicts an isometric view of yet a further embodiment of aparking pad 300 in accordance with the present disclosure. The parkingpad 300 includes a main body portion 312 (similar to the main bodyportion 12 of the parking pad 10 of FIGS. 1-3). In the parking pad 300of FIG. 9 the main body portion 312 is configured in a “U” shapedconfiguration (versus the essentially rectangular configuration of themain body portion 12 of FIG. 2). Further, in the parking pad 300 of FIG.9, the first sleeve 322, the second sleeve 324, and the third sleeve 326are joined into one continuous sleeve 380. In this way, when theelongate curb member (or members) are sufficiently flexible to negotiatethe bends between sleeves 322 and 326 (and sleeves 324 and 326), areduced number of elongate curb members (typically, no more than two,and not shown in FIG. 9) are required in order to form the barrier fordirecting detritus accumulating on main body portion 312 to the egressarea (second end 320) of the parking pad. In the embodiment depicted, asingle curb member can be used to fill the entire sleeve 380. Further,two elongate curb members can be used in the embodiment depict—i.e., afirst elongate curb member inserted via a first open end 330 in sleeve380, and a second elongate curb member inserted via a second open end332 in the sleeve, with the two elongate curb members meeting in thegeneral area indicated by 329.

FIG. 10 depicts an isometric view of yet another parking pad 400 inaccordance with the present disclosure. In the parking pad 400, thefirst, second and third sleeves (422, 424, 426) are joined together inone continuous sleeve 480, and the ends 430 and 432 of the sleeve aresealed ends (versus being open ends, as for example open ends 330 and332 of sleeve 380 of FIG. 9). The continuous sleeve 480 is an air-tightsleeve forming a barrier around the main body portion 412 (save for opensecond end 420 of main body portion, thus allowing an area for egress ofdetritus from the main body portion 412). Rather than providing elongatecurb members in the sleeves of the parking pad 400, in the parking pad400 the continuous sleeve 480 is an inflatable sleeve. To this end,continuous sleeve 480 is provided with an inflation fitting 440,allowing air (or other gas, or fluid) to be provided to the sleeve 480.It will be appreciated that this concept of using an inflatable sleevewith a parking pad also allows for multiple separate sleeves 422, 424,426, in addition to the single sleeve (480) of FIG. 10.

Referring now to FIG. 11, a side elevation view depicts a furthervariation on the parking pad of the present disclosure. In FIG. 11 theparking pad 10 of FIG. 1 is disposed on a collapsible ramp 500 which isdisposed between the parking pad 10 and the support surface 8. Thecollapsible ramp 500 provides a favorable pitch between the first end 18of the main body portion 12 and the apron 28 of the parking pad 10 tothus facilitate removal of detritus from the parking pad. Thecollapsible ramp 500 can include multiple ramp portions 502 which areconnected to one another by ramp portion hinges 504. By selectivelyproviding the ramp portion hinges 504 relative to the ramp portions 502,the ramp 500 can be collapsibly stored with the parking pad 10 when theparking pad is placed in the storage configuration.

FIGS. 12, 13 and 14 depict another embodiment of a parking pad 800 inaccordance with the present disclosure. Turning to FIG. 12, the parkingpad 800 includes a main body portion 812 defined by respective first andsecond sides 814, 816, and first and second ends 818, 820. The parkingpad 800 further includes a first sleeve 822 which is located proximatethe first side 814 of the main body portion 812, a second sleeve 824which is located proximate the second side 816 of the main body portion812, and a third sleeve 826 which is located proximate the first end 818of the main body portion 812. The first sleeve 822 includes a first openend 830, and can also include a second open end 836. Likewise, thesecond sleeve 824 includes a first open end 832, and can also include asecond open end 838. The third sleeve 826 includes a first open end 834,and can also include a second open end 840. The parking pad 10 includeselongate curb members 850, 852 and 854 which are sized to be receivedwithin respective first, second and third sleeves 822, 824 and 826 viarespective open ends 830, 832 and 834 (as well as via second open ends836, 838 and 840, when so provided). Corner members 331 and 333 can beprovided to discourage egress of detritus at the respective intersectingcorners of the sleeves 822, 824 and 826. The corner members 331, 333 canbe, for example, foam pieces which are removably attached to the sleeves822, 824 and 826 by hook-and-loop fastener material. When the sleeves822, 824 are only provided with respective first open ends 830, 832,then corner members 331, 333 can be replaced with the sealed corners 31,33 depicted in FIG. 2.

FIG. 13 is an isometric figure of the parking pad 800 of FIG. 12,further depicting variations which can be used with the parking pad. Asindicated in FIG. 13, elongate curb member 852 of FIG. 12 can beprovided in two pieces, 852 a and 852 b. In this way elongate curbmember first part 852 a can be inserted into the second sleeve 824 viafirst opening 832, while elongate curb member second part 852 b can beinserted into the second sleeve 824 via second opening 838. Curb memberparts 852 a and 852 b can be easily removed from sleeve 824 using tabs860, which are attached to the curb member parts. Preferably, elongatecurb member parts 852 a and 852 b are sized so that in combination(within sleeve 824) they extend the length “L” of the sleeve (definedalong the edge 816, FIG. 12). Further, elongate curb member parts 852 aand 852 b are preferably sized so that when removed from sleeve 824,they will generally fit the width “W” of the main body portion 812defined between the first and second edges 814, 816. In this way whenthe parking pad 800 is placed in a storage configuration, the elongatecurb member parts 852 a and 852 b can be easily combined with the rolledor folded remaining parts of the parking pad. Elongate curb member 850can likewise be provided in two or more parts for ease of storage. Thissame principle can be applied to the parking pad 10 of FIGS. 1-3. Moreparticularly, and with reference to FIG. 15 (which is a side sectionalview of a modified version of the parking pad 10 of FIG. 3 in a rolledstorage configuration), elongate curb member parts 50 a, 50 b, 52 a and52 b, and elongate curb member 54, can be rolled (as shown) or foldedwith the main body portion 12 into a convenient storage configuration.The parking pad 10, when placed in a storage configuration such asdepicted in FIG. 15, can be secured in this position by use of arestraining member, such as a bungee cord, wrapped around the unit.

When the ratio of the length “L” to the width “W” of the parking pad 800(see FIG. 13, for example) is generally in the range of about 1.5:1 to2.5:1, then it is practicable to provide the elongate curb members 850,852 (FIG. 12) as two-part components (as depicted for curb member 50 inFIG. 3). When the ratio of the length “L” to the width “W” of theparking pad 10 or 800 is generally in the range of about 0.5:1 to 1.5:1,then it is practicable to provide the elongate curb members 50, 52 (FIG.2) or 850, 852 (FIG. 12) as single components. However, when the ratioof the length “L” to the width “W” of the parking pad 800 exceeds about2.5:1, then it is practicable to provide the elongate curb members 850,852 (FIG. 12) in more than two parts. Providing curb members in partswhich do not exceed the width “W” of the main body portion 12 or 812 ofthe parking pad 10 or 800 by more than about 50% of the width “W” allowsfor a more compact storage configuration (per FIG. 15)—i.e., it isdesirable that the curb members (or curb member parts) do notexcessively overhang the main body portion 12 (812) of the parking pad10 (800) when the parking pad is placed in the storage configuration. Itwill be appreciated that providing elongate curb members in more thantwo parts presents an issue of how to retrieve all of the curb memberparts from the sleeve when the parking pad is to be placed in thestorage configuration. Two solutions to this problem are depicted inFIG. 14.

FIG. 14 is a side sectional view of a sleeve 622 (similar to sleeve 822of FIG. 12) used with a parking pad in accordance with the presentdisclosure, depicting how more than two elongate curb members can beaccommodated within the sleeve. In this example, four elongate curbmember parts 650 a, 650 b, 650 c and 650 d are received within thesleeve 622. Curb member part 650 b can be inserted through first openend 630 of sleeve 622, followed by insertion of curb member part 650 a.When removing the curb member parts 650 a and 650 b, curb member part650 a can be removed using tab 660, and curb member part 650 b can beremoved using tether 662 (which is attached to curb member part 650 b,and extends outward of first open end 630). Further, sleeve 622 canoptionally be provided with a vertical slit 664, allowing curb memberpart 650 c to be inserted into (and removed from) sleeve 622 via theslit without the use of a tether. As is evident, curb member part 650 dcan be removed from sleeve 622 using tab 660.

Returning now to FIG. 13, the main body portion 812 of the parking pad800 can be provided with a puncture resistant strip 63 of flexiblematerial disposed on the upper surface 870 of the main body portion 812.As depicted in FIG. 13, two puncture resistant strips 63 are provided ingeneral parallel arrangement on the parking pad 800 to thus match anintended path of vehicle tires for a vehicle to be placed on the parkingpad. In one variation, as opposed to two puncture resistant strips 63, abroad strip or sheet of puncture resistant material 63 can be disposedon the upper surface 870 of the main body portion 812. The punctureresistant strip 63 can additionally, or optionally, be selected to bewear resistant, abrasion resistant, and/or traction providing. Theflexible puncture resistant material 63 is thus selected to protect themain body portion 812 of the parking pad 800 from anticipated wear whichmay result from the use of studded tires, rocks imbedded in treadgrooves of tires, and friction and wear between a tire and the main bodyportion 812. The puncture resistant strip 63 can be attached to the mainbody portion 812 in a permanent manner, or it can be attached to themain body portion in a removable manner so that when the punctureresistant strip 63 becomes worn, it can be replaced. An example of amaterial which can be used for the puncture resistant strip 63 is wovenfiberglass, a grit-bearing adhesive strip, a sacrificial polymer orelastomer, etc. It will be appreciated that the puncture resistant strip63 can be used with other embodiments of the parking pad of the presentdisclosure provided for herein.

Turning now to FIG. 18, a partial oblique view of the lower left cornerof the parking pad 800 of FIG. 12 is depicted, showing an additionalfeature which can be included with the sleeves 822, 824 and 826 of theparking pad. Specifically, FIG. 18 depicts how a closing means 802 canbe provided at the first open end 832 of sleeve 824. A similar closingmeans can be provided at the open ends 830, 834, 836, 838 and 840 ofFIG. 12. The closing means 802 can allow the opening 832 to beselectively opened and closed to allow the elongate curb member 852(FIG. 12) to be inserted into, and secured within, the sleeve 824. Byproviding a closing means 802 at the open ends of the sleeves 822, 824and/or 826, migration of the respective curb members 850, 852 and/or 854out of the respective sleeves when the parking pad 800 is placed in thein-use configuration is prevented. Examples of the closing means 802 caninclude a snap, a tongue-and-groove zip-type closure, a hook-and-loopclosing means, etc.

A further embodiment of a parking pad 710 in accordance with the presentdisclosure is depicted in plan view in FIG. 16. The parking pad 710includes a main body portion 712 (similar to main body portion 12 ofFIGS. 1-3), and curb members 750, 752 and 756. Curb members 750 and 752are attached directly to respective sides 714 and 716 of the main bodyportion 712, and curb member 754 is attached directly to first end 718of the main body portion 712. (Second end 720 of the main body portion712 is preferably left open to allow egress of detritus from the mainbody portion 712.) It will be noted that the parking pad 710 does notinclude sleeves (such as sleeves 22, 24 and 26 of the parking pad 10 ofFIG. 2), and that the curb members 750, 752, 754 are attached directlyto the main body portion 712. As indicated in FIG. 16, a curb member canbe provided in curb member parts (e.g., curb member 752 can be providedas curb member parts 752 a and 752 b). Providing the curb members ascurb member parts facilitates storage of the parking pad 710 (asgenerally discussed above with respect to FIG. 15). Preferably the curbmembers 750, 752, 754 of the parking pad 710 are attached directly tothe main body portion 712 in a water-tight manner to prevent migrationof fluids from the main body portion 712 in directions other than viasecond end 720. Turning to FIG. 17, one example of a water tightattachment means 740 between the curb member 752 and the main bodyportion 712 of the parking pad 710 of FIG. 16 is depicted in a partialend view. The water tight attachment means 740 includes a plastic(elastic) tongue-and-groove connector, with a tongue 741 being formeddirectly on the curb member 752, and a groove 743 (configured to receivetongue 741) being disposed on the main body portion 712. It will beappreciated that the respective placements of the tongue 741 and groove743 with respect to the curb member 752 and the main body portion 712can be interchanged. Other means for providing a water tight sealbetween curb member 752 and main body portion 712 can also be employed,such as snap fasteners accompanied by sealing gaskets, etc.

While the above invention has been described in language more or lessspecific as to structural and methodical features, it is to beunderstood, however, that the invention is not limited to the specificfeatures shown and described, since the means herein disclosed comprisepreferred forms of putting the invention into effect. The invention is,therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within theproper scope of the appended claims as appropriately interpreted.

1. A parking pad configured for ease of storage when not in use, andease of deployment when put in use, comprising: a main body portiondefined by a first side and a second side, and a first end and a secondend, the main body portion comprising a flexible sheet which can beplaced in one of a rolled or folded position to facilitate placing theparking pad in a storage configuration; a first sleeve located proximatethe first side of the main body portion, and a second sleeve locatedproximate the second side of the main body portion, the first and secondsleeves being respectively defined by first and second sleeve openings;a first elongate curb member disposed within the first sleeve, and asecond elongate curb member disposed within the second sleeve, the curbmembers being removable from the sleeves via the respective sleeveopenings, and wherein: the curb members are sized to permit storage ofthe curb members adjacent the main body portion when the parking pad isin the storage configuration; and the second end of the main bodyportion is unobstructed to thereby allow detritus falling on the mainbody portion to be easily removed from the parking pad.
 2. The parkingpad of claim 1 further comprising: a third sleeve located proximate thefirst end of the main body portion, the third sleeve being defined by athird sleeve opening; and an elongate third curb member disposed withthe third sleeve, the third curb member being removable from the thirdsleeve via the third sleeve opening.
 3. The parking pad of claim 1wherein the first sleeve opening is defined by an elongate slit in thefirst sleeve.
 4. The parking pad of claim 3 wherein the first sleeve isdefined by a top and a bottom, and the first sleeve opening is locatedproximate the bottom of the first sleeve.
 5. The parking pad of claim 1wherein the first sleeve opening is defined by a transverse slit in thefirst sleeve.
 6. The parking pad of claim 1 wherein the first sleeveopening is defined by a first open end in the first sleeve.
 7. Theparking pad of claim 1 further comprising a third sleeve locatedproximate the first end of the main body portion, the third sleeve beingopen to communication with the first and second sleeves, and wherein thefirst elongate curb member comprises a flexible member and is at leastpartially disposed with the third sleeve.
 8. The parking pad of claim 2wherein the first, second and third sleeves are joined together in acontiguous “U” shaped configuration, and wherein the elongate curbmembers comprise one of a single unitary contiguous curb member or twounitary contiguous curb members.
 9. The parking pad of claim 1 whereinthe main body portion further comprises an apron which extends from thesecond end away from the first and second sleeves.
 10. The parking padof claim 1 wherein the main body portion and the first and secondsleeves comprise a two-piece telescoping assembly to thereby allow alength of the parking pad defined along the sides to be adjusted. 11.The parking pad of claim 1 wherein the main body portion comprises atwo-piece telescoping assembly to thereby allow a width of the parkingpad defined along the ends to be adjusted.
 12. The parking pad of claim1 wherein the first sleeve opening includes a closing member to allowthe first sleeve opening to be selectively opened and closed.
 13. Theparking pad of claim 1 wherein the main body portion is defined by anupper surface, the parking pad further comprising a self-sealingflexible foam sheet disposed at least partially on the upper surface.14. The parking pad of claim 1 wherein the main body portion is definedby an upper surface, the parking pad further comprising a first punctureresistant strip of flexible material disposed on the upper surfaceadjacent the first side of the of the main body portion, and a secondpuncture resistant strip of flexible material disposed on the uppersurface adjacent the second side of the of the main body portion. 15.The parking pad of claim 1 wherein the main body portion is defined byan upper surface, the parking pad further comprising a heating elementdisposed relative to the main body portion to thereby allow the heatingelement to heat the upper surface.
 16. The parking pad of claim 1further comprising a water supply connection, a water conduit in fluidcommunication with the water supply connection, and at least one wateroutlet in fluid communication with the water conduit, the at least onewater outlet being disposed away from the second end of the main bodyportion to thereby allow water emanating therefrom to flush detritusfrom the parking pad via the second end of the main body portion. 17.The parking pad of claim 1 further comprising a flexible non-resilientmember to hold the parking pad in an essentially flat position when inuse, and to hold the parking pad in one of the rolled or foldedpositions when in the storage configuration.
 18. The parking pad ofclaim 1 further comprising a collapsible ramp on which the parking canbe deployed when in use, and which can be collapsed and stored with theparking pad when the parking pad is in the storage configuration.
 19. Aparking pad comprising: a main body portion defined by a first side anda second side, and a first end and a second end, the main body portioncomprising a flexible sheet which can be one of rolled or folded tofacilitate storage of the parking pad; a sleeve located proximate thefirst side and second side, and the first end, of the main body portion,and wherein the sleeve is inflatable; and wherein the second end of themain body portion is open to thereby allow detritus falling on the mainbody portion to be easily removed therefrom.
 20. A parking padcomprising: a main body portion defined by a first side and a secondside, and a first end and a second end, the main body portion comprisinga flexible sheet which can be one of rolled or folded to facilitatestorage of the parking pad; a curb member which is detachably mountableto the main body portion to thereby form a perimeter barrier around thefirst and second sides and the first end of the main body portion; andwherein the second end of the main body portion is open to thereby allowdetritus falling on the main body portion to be easily removedtherefrom.